Deputy commissioners yesterday warned that the growing availability of drugs among youth, despite regular enforcement drives, poses a grave threat to the nation, urging the government to adopt tougher measures to curb the menace.
During a discussion with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the opening day of the DC Conference, at least 11 deputy commissioners spoke, with four identifying drug abuse as one of the most pressing crises facing the country at present, according to sources present at the time.
Jhenaidah DC Noman Hossain mentioned that 10km of the district’s border remains vulnerable, adding that inadequate controls are allowing drug shipments to enter the country and fuel addiction among youth.
He also flagged online gambling as a major concern, adding that drug users are frequently drawn into gambling as well, and called for central intervention.
The prime minister then assured the deputy commissioners that his government would take coordinated action to address this problem.
Meanwhile, other DCs raised district-specific issues.
Bogura DC Toufikur Rahman requested government support to expand the local machinery industry, which he believes could play a significant role in the region’s development.
Khulna DC Hure Jannat drew the PM’s attention to the sufferings in Dumuria upazila caused by chronic waterlogging and sought national-level measures to resolve the crisis.
Habiganj DC GM Sharfaraz requested the establishment of two 50-bed hospitals in tea garden areas, a proposal the PM assured would be addressed.
Meanwhile, the Cox’s Bazar DC suggested disbursing funds for government land acquisition through the iBAS++, a government software, to curb corruption and public suffering.
During the session related to the Ministry of Health, several DCs said health services are being disrupted at district and upazila levels due to doctor shortages and the absence of appointed physicians.
Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain assured the DCs that the ministry would take the necessary steps to address this issue.
Additionally, the DCs of Netrokona and Pirojpur proposed the allocation of water ambulances to ensure healthcare services in the remote haor areas.
Following the session, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said DCs had flagged declining student interest in schools and stressed the need for joyful learning. He added that classroom competitions, curriculum updates, midday meals and school‑uniform support are on the government’s agenda.
Regarding proposals for a unified curriculum, primary schools in tea garden areas, and free education for children with disabilities, Milon said, “Every proposal is accepted. We must accept it and go ahead.”
On Qawmi madrasa education, the minister said he has held three meetings with representatives regarding degree equivalence and standardisation. He added that the ministry would soon submit a proposal defining the equivalence of Qawmi levels to SSC, intermediate, degree, and Dawra levels.
Addressing teacher shortages, Milon noted that 32,500 primary headmaster posts are currently tied up in court cases, while 14,300 primary teacher recruits are being brought “into discipline”. He added that primary schools require an additional 32,500 teachers and 15,000 staff, while government high schools need 7,000 teachers.
He said if the PSC cannot provide teachers, the ministry will consider holding a special exam. New primary teachers may be sent to Primary Training Institutes after joining, Milon said. “Those who fail the training will not be retained, and teachers will only be made permanent after two years of service.”
Following yesterday’s session, the DCs met with President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Today, the second day of the conference, discussions regarding 24 ministries and divisions will take place across five sessions.
The DCs will pay a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Parliament this evening. The conference will continue until May 6, with 34 sessions scheduled over the four-day period.
